Category: Gynecologic Care

As a woman, experiencing menstrual cycles is a natural and normal part of life. However, many women face challenges during their menstrual periods, such as irregularity, heavy bleeding, or painful cramps. Regardless of your age, bad periods can become a real threat to your quality of life if not addressed. At North Pointe OB/GYN, we can help you understand common menstrual issues, as well as their potential causes and available treatment options.

Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Irregular periods refer to variations in the length of menstrual cycles or inconsistent timing between periods. This can be caused by hormonal imbalances, stress, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or other underlying medical conditions. Discussing the potential causes and effects of irregular periods can help women identify patterns and seek medical advice for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Experiencing heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, known as menorrhagia, can be physically and emotionally challenging for women. Common causes include hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, polyps, or certain medical conditions. Treatment options, including medication, hormonal therapy, or minimally invasive procedures, can be discussed to provide relief and improve overall well-being.

Painful Menstrual Cramps

Menstrual cramps, medically referred to as dysmenorrhea, can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that interferes with daily activities. These cramps are typically caused by contractions of the uterus during menstruation. However, underlying conditions such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease can contribute to more intense pain. Providing information about self-care measures, pain management techniques, and available medical interventions can assist women in finding relief and improving their quality of life.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

PMS refers to a combination of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the days leading up to menstruation. Symptoms may include mood swings, bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue, and food cravings. Understanding the factors contributing to PMS, such as hormonal fluctuations and lifestyle choices, can help women manage these symptoms effectively. Discussing self-care strategies, stress reduction techniques, and medical interventions like hormonal therapies or antidepressants can provide valuable guidance for managing PMS.

Seek Help for Your Menstrual Cycle in Cumming

It is important for women to understand when to seek medical advice for their menstrual concerns. At North Pointe OB/GYN, we encourage open communication with our healthcare providers and emphasize the importance of regular check-ups to help identify underlying causes and develop personalized treatment plans. By discussing available treatment options, including lifestyle modifications, over-the-counter remedies, or prescribed medications, women can make informed decisions about managing their menstrual issues. Call North Pointe OB/GYN in Cumming today to schedule your gynecology visit about your bad periods. Remember, you are not alone in facing these challenges, and seeking support from our caring professionals can lead to a more balanced and comfortable menstrual experience.

It is not hard to find a female patient who has suffered from a urinary tract infection. In fact, UTIs are quite common in women, with around 50-60% of women experiencing at least one UTI in their lifetime. Women are more prone to UTIs than men, in part because of the shorter distance between the urethra and the anus, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract.

While UTIs can be easily resolved with a course of antibiotic treatment, this type of infection can be disruptive and uncomfortable until it resides. If urinary tract infections occur frequently, they can even become a threat to your quality of life and relationships. At North Pointe OB/GYN, we want our patients to tell us about their struggle with urinary tract infections. Although this is a common problem for women, frequent UTIs can be a sign of something more serious, and they certain deserve proper treatment. Here’s a closer look at female urinary tract infections, including its symptoms and why you may be suffering more than other women.

What is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that affects any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. UTIs are typically caused by bacteria, such as E. coli, which enter the urinary system through the urethra and multiply in the bladder.

UTIs can be uncomfortable and can cause the following symptoms:

• strong, persistent urge to urinate
• a burning sensation when urinating
• cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• pelvic pain or pressure

Treating UTIs

UTIs can be treated with antibiotics, which means that you’ll need to let your physician know about your discomfort. At North Pointe OB/GYN, we will take a urine test to properly diagnose the bacteria in the infection so that we can prescribe the most effective antibiotic. It’s important to let us know as soon as possible if you suspect you have a UTI, as untreated infections can lead to more serious complications such as kidney damage.

Why Am I Getting UTIs so Often?

At North Pointe OB/GYN, we make it a priority to help patients determine what is causing their urinary problems and frequent infections, which can often be related to certain lifestyle habits that they can control.

Frequent UTIs can have a variety of causes, some of which may include:

• Structural abnormalities: Structural abnormalities in the urinary tract, such as a blockage, can cause urine to back up and increase the risk of infection.

• Compromised immune system: Individuals with a compromised immune system, such as those with HIV/AIDS, are more susceptible to UTIs.

• Poor hygiene: Poor hygiene habits, such as wiping from back to front after using the toilet, can increase the risk of bacterial infection.

• Sexual activity: Sexual activity can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, increasing the risk of infection. Women who are sexually active are at higher risk for UTIs.

• Menopause: Changes in estrogen levels during menopause can lead to changes in the urinary tract, increasing the risk of infection.

• Use of certain contraceptives: The use of certain contraceptives, such as spermicides or diaphragms, can increase the risk of UTIs.

• Urinary catheterization: People who require urinary catheterization may be at increased risk for UTIs due to the potential for bacteria to enter the urinary tract through the catheter.

Restore Urinary Comfort and Call Our Cumming UTI Doctors

Stop struggling in silence. We understand how painful and disruptive UTIs can be. We want to hear from you promptly at North Pointe OB/GYN if you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection and meet one of the following criteria:

• You have had two or more UTIs in the past six months or three or more UTIs in the past year.
• You have tried over-the-counter treatments for UTIs, such as cranberry juice or supplements, but the symptoms persist.
• You are experiencing UTI symptoms during pregnancy.

Call our Cumming physicians who specialize in women’s health care to schedule your UTI exam and treatment.

While you likely established a close relationship with your OB/GYN during your pregnancy and childbearing stage of life, you may be tempted to abandon this physician when you are done having kids. This is an unfortunate mistake. Your gynecologist can do far more for you than care for you during pregnancy and childbirth. While it doesn’t have to be every month, there is significant value in maintaining routine visits with your OB/GYN after your childbearing years.

Here are some top reasons why it is still important to see your OB/GYN when you are no longer trying to get pregnant:

Your annual gynecologic exam matters to your overall health and wellness.

Your body doesn’t stop changing, even after having kids. An annual wellness visit with your gynecologist include specific evaluations that pertain to a woman’s health, such as pelvic exams, breast cancer screenings, PAP smears and much more. These appointments help you address small issues before they become major problems.

You can address concerns and issues about your sexual health.

Many women silently suffer from discomfort or dysfunction during sex. Your gynecologist, however, is the perfect one to discuss these concerns with. A gynecologist can not only help, but they understand that female sexuality can be influenced by physical, psychological, and social factors.

Your menstrual cycle continues.

There are typically many years between having kids and menopause, which means you’ll still be managing your menstrual cycle. This can become tricky in your late 30’s and 40’s as perimenopause symptoms develop. Your gyno can address issues like heavy flow, disruptive cramping and other period symptoms.

Birth control may be needed.

Just because your mind is made up to stop having kids, doesn’t mean your body is on board. If you are still physically able to get pregnant and sexually active, you’ll need to consider a birth control method. For women who are past childbearing, this can be a more long-term birth control solution. A gynecologist can present you with the pros and cons of each option.

Menopause management

Many women find that they need their gynecologist more than ever once they hit menopause, as this can be a turbulent phase of life with mood swings, hot flashes, low libido, weight gain. A gynecologist is specifically trained to help you navigate and lessen these menopause symptoms.

Just because you’ve sold your maternity clothes, doesn’t mean that you should forget your OB/GYN. At North Pointe OB/GYN, we have plenty to offer in terms of your health, well-being and quality of life as a woman before, during and after childbearing years.

We all know menopause as that dreaded stage of life when wacky hormones bring hot flashes, mood swings and weight gain as our menstrual period comes to an end. But what about the time period leading up to menopause? Perimenopause may be less talked about, but it is a stage of life that can be equally frustrating and disrupted by hormone fluctuations.

Perimenopause refers to the time in which a woman’s body makes its natural transition toward permanent infertility (menopause). Women go through perimenopause at different ages, but the most common time is around the early 40s. The level of estrogen rises and falls unevenly during perimenopause causing the menstrual cycles to lengthen or shorten and to become heavier or lighter. Many women also experience symptoms similar to menopause, such as hot flashes, sleep problems and vaginal dryness. Unfortunately, this phase can last longer than you want it to.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, “the average length of perimenopause is about four years. Some people may only be in this stage for a few months, while others will be in this transition phase for more than four years.” Once it has been more than 12 months since your last monthly period, you can consider yourself out of perimenopause.

You Can Still Get Treatment

Just because you are not in full blown menopause, doesn’t mean you don’t qualify for treatment. As your trusted physicians at North Pointe OB/GYN, we understand the setbacks of menopause as well as the frustrations of perimenopause that lead up to this stage of life. This transition phase can be difficult to manage on your own, especially if you are not expecting it at such an early age. Some women experience the onset of perimenopause in their 30’s!

Women typically notice a change in their menstrual cycles or length of periods when perimenopause begins. The following are considered common warning signs that you may be in the inevitable stage of perimenopause:

• Irregular periods
• Hot flashes and sleep problems
• Mood changes
• Vaginal and bladder problems
• Decreasing fertility
• Changes in sexual function
• Loss of bone
• Changing cholesterol levels

Depending on your tolerance for hormone replacement, we can recommend conventional menopause therapy as well as holistic therapies such as lifestyle adjustments and supplements to manage your symptoms. Call North Point OB/GYN today to book your consult in Cumming. We believe in a better quality of life – despite your changing hormones.

If you are an adult woman, Pap smears are a necessary part of your routine care. While it may be a slightly uncomfortable procedure, it takes just seconds to perform and offers life-saving information. A Pap smear, which is different than a pelvic exam, is a test that can detect abnormal or cancerous cells on your cervix. You may feel slight pressure as your gynecologist gently scrapes cells from your cervix so that they can be sent to a lab for further evaluation and testing.

Even if you have had a Pap Smear before, you may still have questions about this important component of your wellness care as a woman.

Here are four quick facts about Pap Smears that may want to know:

#1 Pap smears do not test for STDs.

Pap smears are only designed to detect cell changes within your cervix. They do not test for sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.

#2 You still need a Pap smear, even if you are not sexually active.

Not all cervical cancers come from the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV), which means you can still have cervical cancer if you are not sexually active.

#3 You may need to reschedule your Pap Smear if you are on your period.

While a Pap smear can be performed during your menstrual cycle, a heavy flow could impact the results. Always let your physician know ahead of time if you will be on your period at your routine visit. It may be best to reschedule your Pap smear.

#4 Women need Pap smears every three years.

Starting at age 21, it has been generally recommended that women get routine Pap smears every three years. Pap smears may be suggested more often if you are at an increased risk for cervical cancer.  Guidelines for the recommended Pap smear schedule continues to change with new research, so make sure ask your doctor about when your next Pap smear should take place.

At North Pointe OB/GYN, we take pride in our ability to provide excellent care for women in a comfortable and rewarding environment. Routine Pap smears are just one way that we can stay on top of your health and catch problems at their earliest and most treatable stage. How long has it been since your last Pap? Call our Cumming office today to schedule your appointment.